Questions on Water Cooling, please drop by and answer.

F

F1a^_^

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
316
Hey,
So I'm going to use WC'ing for my next build, and I'm very new to it. Honestly, I don't know crap about it, except for what it does :p
So what are ALL the parts I need? (I know a few like pump, rad, ...what else)
I've also heard that it's mostly all about the rad, and all I would need is a better rad and everything else can be meh. This true?
I guess I have around $200 to spend on WC'ing, but cheaper the better. I've read that $100 is nothing and that would be a waste.. $150 is mediocre. I never knew WC'ing was this expensive! How much would I need to spend on a WC'ing kit to have my temps fairly low, but in order to let me overclock a lot. I might just only OC my cpu, but I'd like to do the same to my vid card.
My specs will be along this:
E6320/E6420/E6600 (Still deciding, but one of those)
8800 GTS/GTX (Boils down to price. Getting a dx10 capable card, but most likely an 8800)
2 gb Ram (No idea on company and what type)
Haven't chosen my mobo and the rest yet. (Hopefully you guys can help me out here)

Thanks a lot for all your help.
-H.K.
 
Dont buy cheap watercooling gear, unless you like the smell of burning hardware.

Cheap and watercoing dont mix well, if your on a serious budget, just buy some high end air cooling parts.

Also, being this is your first WC setup, if you go ahead with it, set it up and run it for 48 hpurs inside the case before you install any othere hardware.....expect a few leaks the first time...if there are none, your good to go :)
 
Welcome to the forums! You came to the right place. If you want a good w/c setup you can't skimp on any part, because it will bottleneck the whole system.

$200 is a very limited budget but you might be able to get something like

Radiator - Swiftech MCR220 ~40
Pump - Liang D5 w/o controller ~60
Waterblock (CPU) - Swiftech Apogee ~45
Waterblock (GPU) - Swiftech MCW60 ~45
Some Cheap Ram Sinks for the Video Card ~15
Tubing, Fittings, T-line ~25

$230 w/o shipping/tax

You can save some money by buying things used from the FS/FT forum

The setup above won't give you too much head room for OCing. You would need to get a better radiator such as the MCR320 or even a Thermochill (expensive!). And even then cooling an OCed c2d and 8800 can stress the rad.
 
Crosshairs said:
Dont buy cheap watercooling gear, unless you like the smell of burning hardware.

Cheap and watercoing dont mix well, if your on a serious budget, just buy some high end air cooling parts.

Also, being this is your first WC setup, if you go ahead with it, set it up and run it for 48 hpurs inside the case before you install any othere hardware.....expect a few leaks the first time...if there are none, your good to go :)
Click to expand...

I call bullshit. You can get a heatercore, cheap pump from a pet/hardware store and a white water for under $80 total and get absurdly low temps, temps that air can't compete with. Yes it might not look "pretty", but performance comes first, looks second.
 
Yeah I was actually looking to buy the parts from the F/S/T forums, but i don't know what type of parts to buy, and I don't know which parts are good and bad.
 
F1a^_^ said:
Yeah I was actually looking to buy the parts from the F/S/T forums, but i don't know what type of parts to buy, and I don't know which parts are good and bad.
Click to expand...

The best choice is buying them from the fs/ft. I actually have a few extra rads/blocks/pumps if you're interested :p

Anyways, if you only have $100-$150 you can still build a damn good loop.
 
buffbiff21 said:
Since javaisaman basically gave awesome recommendations, I will fill in your system.

CPU: E6600
RAM: 2gb G skill (Micron based)
MOtherboard: DFI P965
Video card: 8800GTS 640mb
Click to expand...

Not spending that much on a vid card. Hopefully I can find one in the F.S.T. forums for cheap.
I read the reviews and it said the mobo made sqealing noises. It sounds great except for that though.
I'll def. pick up that Ram. Seems really great and it's at a pretty good price.
Hopefully I can pick up that cpu =]
 
F1a^_^ said:
Not spending that much on a vid card. Hopefully I can find one in the F.S.T. forums for cheap.
I read the reviews and it said the mobo made sqealing noises. It sounds great except for that though.
I'll def. pick up that Ram. Seems really great and it's at a pretty good price.
Hopefully I can pick up that cpu =]
Click to expand...

Doesn't that system look familiar? :D (Hint: check my sig)

Arcygenical said:
Silence is what beats both.
Click to expand...

QFT
 
Silence is a given with any w/c. IMO the point of w/c is to reduce noise over good air cooling and achieve excellent performance.
 
sabrewolf732 said:
I call bullshit. You can get a heatercore, cheap pump from a pet/hardware store and a white water for under $80 total and get absurdly low temps, temps that air can't compete with. Yes it might not look "pretty", but performance comes first, looks second.
Click to expand...

Call bullshit all you want. Good watercolling stuff is not cheap..Period....

Sure you can buy cheap shit, but whats the point?
Its been proven time and time again, cheap WC is not much better than good air...

And yeah, looks matter to me, so does serviceabilty...
I dont want to be sticking my hand into a maze of tubing everytime I work on my rig.

But hey, whatever makes you happy, you go with it.



Also, nowhere did I say air "could compete" so I dont know what you were reading there.
 
Hey guys..you seem to have forget about the questions I asked! Would be great if you could answer the ones you didn't.
 
Which questions? WC'ing parts or do you want advice on the computer components, also?

Budget? Features? OC'ing Potential?

For WC'ing, I think you have some suggestions. Need more?

For components, I would suggest you peruse the appropriate forums. Not to say that those kind of experts aren't here, but you can get a lot of info by simply looking thru various posts, learn a few things, determine what the important features you desire, and finally ask more specific questions.

Sound like a plan?;)
 
Crosshairs said:
Cheap and watercoing dont mix well, if your on a serious budget, just buy some high end air cooling parts.
Click to expand...

That is totally incorrect. You can scrounge and buy stuff used and get a very serviceable wc setup. You can even get an AC setup for the right price if you look around on the auction sites.
 
Top Nurse said:
That is totally incorrect. You can scrounge and buy stuff used and get a very serviceable wc setup.
Click to expand...

Thank you. My first loop was only like $60 (pump, heatercore and a dtek whitewater) and I couldn't be more pleased with the performance. I'm also very happy my first loop was a cheap loop and was pretty industrial, I learned alot more that way.
 
JC634 said:
Which questions? WC'ing parts or do you want advice on the computer components, also?

Budget? Features? OC'ing Potential?

For WC'ing, I think you have some suggestions. Need more?

For components, I would suggest you peruse the appropriate forums. Not to say that those kind of experts aren't here, but you can get a lot of info by simply looking thru various posts, learn a few things, determine what the important features you desire, and finally ask more specific questions.

Sound like a plan?;)
Click to expand...

Haha yeah. Well more suggestions on everything would be great. Let's say I have around $150-$175 to spend on a w/c kit, what parts would you pick?
 
Top Nurse said:
You can even get an AC setup for the right price if you look around on the auction sites.
Click to expand...

LOL.


Haha yeah. Well more suggestions on everything would be great. Let's say I have around $150-$175 to spend on a w/c kit, what parts would you pick?
Click to expand...

DB-1 pump, Swiftech GT CPU block, Swiftech MCR 220 radiator. That's less than $150 and you'll get a quality, UPGRADEABLE, loop.
 
Arcygenical said:
To some. Not myself. Performance is actually tied for 2nd... Tied with looks. Silence is what beats both.
Click to expand...

Exactly.


I can't stand a 'fast' PC or any other PC that looks like an expensive junk pile. Even above that, silence is paramount.
 
F1a^_^ said:
Haha yeah. Well more suggestions on everything would be great. Let's say I have around $150-$175 to spend on a w/c kit, what parts would you pick?
Click to expand...

From the forum for a good discount:
Used Dtek Fuzion or Apogee GT
Double black ice pro radiator
MCP655, Danger Den D5, Swiftech DDC or DDC+

From jab-tech.com
Masterkleer tubing
Yate Loon Fans
 
I looked at everything you guys suggested and they look really good. I hope they will be under my budget though. Let's see some more.
 
Top Nurse said:
That is totally incorrect. You can scrounge and buy stuff used and get a very serviceable wc setup. You can even get an AC setup for the right price if you look around on the auction sites.
Click to expand...
We disagree.its all good..:)

I guess I'm all alone when I say its not cheap...Call me nuts, I'm not putting cheap WC gear in a case with my expensive hardware.

I don't need a $150.00 loop killing my $400.00 Video card.
 
Crosshairs said:
We disagree.its all good..:)

I guess I'm all alone when I say its not cheap...Call me nuts, I'm not putting cheap WC gear in a case with my expensive hardware.

I don't need a $150.00 loop killing my $400.00 Video card.
Click to expand...



Please enlighten me as to how cheaper loops kill hardware
 
Crosshairs said:
A simple search will net you many results...
Here is one, this guy was lucky, many more were not.

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1202353

Anyway, I'm done here. I gave the OP advice, many agreed with me, many didn't.....thats life.

We have different opinions about WC.lets just leave it at that.
Click to expand...

roflol, that's because he used shitty parts.. not cheap parts. My entire loop atm cost me sub $150.
 
I'm looking at rads, and there are 120mm single,dual,triple, and quadruple ones. What's the difference? Which one is better? I was going to go w/ a dual anyways, but I wanna here from the ''pros'' before I make a dumb decision.
 
F1a^_^ said:
I'm looking at rads, and there are 120mm single,dual,triple, and quadruple ones. What's the difference? Which one is better? I was going to go w/ a dual anyways, but I wanna here from the ''pros'' before I make a dumb decision.
Click to expand...

The larger the radiator, the more heat it can dissipate. Not all radiators perform the same though, but usually bigger = better. Different radiator manufacturing companies have varying levels of performance. You'd want a 2x120mm sized radiator at the least, but preferably a 3x120mm sized radiator to be able to upgrade your loop with more blocks down the line.

Winner of the Performance Crown: Thermochill's PA's

Winner of the Price/Performance Crown: Swiftech MCR's
 
Ranker said:
The larger the radiator, the more heat it can dissipate. Not all radiators perform the same though, but usually bigger = better. Different radiator manufacturing companies have varying levels of performance. You'd want a 2x120mm sized radiator at the least, but preferably a 3x120mm sized radiator to be able to upgrade your loop with more blocks down the line.

Winner of the Performance Crown: Thermochill's PA's

Winner of the Price/Performance Crown: Swiftech MCR's
Click to expand...

Based off that info, I'm going w/ the Swiftech MCR 320 triple 120mm rad @ $47.95.
Yay or nay? I was going to go w/ the apogee Gt, but I guess not anymore. Opinions please:D
 
F1a^_^ said:
Based off that info, I'm going w/ the Swiftech MCR 320 triple 120mm rad @ $47.95.
Yay or nay? I was going to go w/ the apogee Gt, but I guess not anymore. Opinions please:D
Click to expand...

the apogee gt is a CPU block, not a radiator.

And isn't it kinda bad to put in used WC parts in your system? I'd be kinda wary myself.
 
rdmty said:
the apogee gt is a CPU block, not a radiator.

And isn't it kinda bad to put in used WC parts in your system? I'd be kinda wary myself.
Click to expand...

Where did you get the idea he was getting used parts?

And even so as long as your getting the parts from a reputable person for a low price you should be okay. The only problem is you won't get any warranty, thats why I don't recommend getting used pumps (and if you get one make sure it has the invoice!).


F1a^_^ said:
Based off that info, I'm going w/ the Swiftech MCR 320 triple 120mm rad @ $47.95.
Yay or nay? I was going to go w/ the apogee Gt, but I guess not anymore. Opinions please:D
Click to expand...

The MCR320 is a rad and the apogee GT is a waterblock, I think you know that its just that your wording is confusing. Personally I would upgrade to something like a Apogee GTX just to give you a little headroom for upgrades (which is something I should have done).
 
javisaman said:
Where did you get the idea he was getting used parts?

And even so as long as your getting the parts from a reputable person for a low price you should be okay. The only problem is you won't get any warranty, thats why I don't recommend getting used pumps (and if you get one make sure it has the invoice!).
Oh, thanks for the tip about the pump.



The MCR320 is a rad and the apogee GT is a waterblock, I think you know that its just that your wording is confusing. Personally I would upgrade to something like a Apogee GTX just to give you a little headroom for upgrades (which is something I should have done).
Click to expand...
Yeah, I accidently said the wrong thing. Had apogee in my head instead of black ice :confused:
Anyways, the GTX says it's a CPU block, so does that mean it won't work for the GPU? And just to make sure, since I'm totally new to water cooling, would I need two blocks if I wanted to cool the cpu and gpu?
 
F1a^_^ said:
Yeah, I accidently said the wrong thing. Had apogee in my head instead of black ice :confused:
Anyways, the GTX says it's a CPU block, so does that mean it won't work for the GPU? And just to make sure, since I'm totally new to water cooling, would I need two blocks if I wanted to cool the cpu and gpu?
Click to expand...

GTX is a CPU block. You'll need to purchase a separate GPU block for your card. I'd recommend either a Swiftech MCW60 since it works with like 99% of the video cards on the market, or an EK full cover for the best full cover solutions in the business (although much more expensive).

I suggest you read or reread the following stickies so that you can better understand what you're getting into:

1) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=119699
2) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=54331
3) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=75873
 
Ranker said:
GTX is a CPU block. You'll need to purchase a separate GPU block for your card. I'd recommend either a Swiftech MCW60 since it works with like 99% of the video cards on the market, or an EK full cover for the best full cover solutions in the business (although much more expensive).

I suggest you read or reread the following stickies so that you can better understand what you're getting into:

1) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=119699
2) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=54331
3) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=75873
Click to expand...

Oh alright. I may just stick to cooling the cpu for now, then move onto the gpu later on.
I'm going to read those links right now.
 
Ranker said:
I suggest you read or reread the following stickies so that you can better understand what you're getting into:

1) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=119699
2) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=54331
3) http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=75873
Click to expand...

This is good stuff for boning up on the basics of water cooling. Please keep in mind though that this stuff has a lot of dated material in it. Also XS doesn't take well to new ideas so take what you read there with a grain of salt. ;)
 
Still on page 2 of reading that...need to find some time to read it all thoroughly.
 
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